28AWG
Making Space with 28AWG Patch Cords
While 24AWG patch cords are solid for most setups, things can get tight when your rack or cabinet is fully loaded. With hundreds of cords packed together, you might run into airflow restrictions, tricky port access, or routing issues.
That’s where 28AWG patch cords come into play. Their smaller diameter uses less than half the space of 24AWG cords, which helps improve airflow, reduce pathway congestion, and even cut operating costs. Plus, their tighter bending radius makes them much easier to route and manage—perfect for dense setups.
Of course, there’s a trade-off. Thinner conductors mean higher attenuation, so careful planning is key. The formula to follow is: (de-rating factor × patch cord length) + horizontal cable length ≤ 102 meters
For Power over Ethernet (PoE) Type 4 applications, consider heat dissipation as well. Smaller bundles—around a third of the usual size—are recommended to keep things cool and unattenuated.
